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Unit 14: Quality of Work Life

Work Stress: Stress is defined as the reaction of disturbing factors in the environment of the Notes
plant and the result of those reactions. The factors that cause stress can be physical,
psychological and behavioural. These factors are called the stressors. Stress can be positive
or negative. Positive stress is the one from which an individual can gain something. Such
a stress is also called the Eustress. For example, when you do any kind of exercise, you stress
yourself but the result of the exercise is good health. Negative stress is the one from which
an individual loses something.
The level of experiencing stress for each individual is not the same. These levels depend on
how an individual reacts to stressors. Some might react to stressors in a faster pace and get
deeply stressed while others might react slowly. The reaction of an individual to stressors
depends on the person’s perception of the situation, his past experiences, the presence of
social support and the way in which an individual responds to the stress. Figure 14.1 shows
the relationship between the stressor and stress.

Table 14.4: Noise Level of Different Industries

Industrial Noise Levels

Industry Sound Pressure Level (dBA)
Detonator manufacturing and testing 94–140

Pharmaceutical 94–128

Foundry in motor manufacturing plant 104–120
Heavy engineering 94–124

Synthetic fibre manufacturing unit 90–117.5

Electronics 87–122
Hydel power plant 92–106

Road transport workshop 90–124

Cotton textile mill 92–105
Fertilizer plant 104–118

Figure 14.1: Relationship between the Stressor and Stress

Perception
Past Experience
Social Support
Individual difference

The Environment The Individual

Stressor Stress

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